Three Russian vessels on goodwill visit to Manila
Threee Russian Navy vessels – the large Anti-Submarine Ship Admiral Panteleev, Guided Missile Cruiser Varyag, and Large Sea Tanker Boris Botuma – docked in Manila on Sunday morning for a five-day goodwill visit.
The Russian Navy contingent is led by its head of mission, Rear Admiral Edward E. Mikhailov, together with the Commanding Officers of Admiral Panteleev, Captain Dmitriy A Tihomirov; Admiral Varyag, Captain Alexsei U Ulyanenko; and Boris Botuma, Sergev Bondar.
Philippine Navy (PN) delegates headed by Commodore Toribio D. Adaci Jr., representing the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy (FOIC, PN), Vice
Adm. Robert A. Empedrad, accorded the visiting navy a welcome ceremony upon arrival followed by a press briefing and health and security briefing aboard Admiral Varyag.
Commander Jonathan V. Zata, the director of the Naval Public Affairs Office, said this is the first visit of the Russian Navy this year and the seventh since 2012.
However, it is the second time for Admiral Varyag and Boris Botuma as they already visited the country last May 29, 2018 while it is the first visit for Admiral Panteleev.
Zata said that as in their previous visits, there will be a wreath laying ceremony at Rizal monument after their arrival and a courtesy call onVice Admiral Empedrad.
A series of confidence-building activities with their Philippine Navy counterparts will also be conducted such as reciprocal reception, goodwill games followed by a boodle fight, and shipboard tour that is also open to civilians.
A send-off ceremony with customary Passing Exercise (PASSEX) will cap off their visit on January 11, 2019.
“The visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the two navies. It will further enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation of the two countries through naval diplomacy and camaraderie,” Zata said.
On June 9 to 14, 2018 three Russian Navy vessels – the Large AntiSubmarine Ships Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov, and Large Sea Tanker Pechenga, also arrived in the country on a goodwill visit.